Figures and tables -- Introduction. Constitutional politics in multinational democracies -- 1. What's the deal? Canada's constitutional relationship with the Metis Nation / Janique Dubois -- 2. Responding to secession referenda : Constitutional and quasi-constitutional change in Quebec and Scotland / Francʹois Rocher and Elisenda Casanas Adam -- 3. Embedded independence : Self-government and interdependence in the Scottish National Movement / Coree Brown Swan and Nicola McEwen -- 4. Flemish nationalism and the Left-Right divide : Consequences for constitutional politics in Belgium / Dave Sinardet -- 5. The legitimacy-legality constitutional paradox in multinational democracies and the constitutional origins of sub-state party system realignments / Jaime Lluch -- 6. Bosnia and Herzegovina : Constitutional politics in a "state of minorities" / Soeren Keil and Paul Anderson -- Conclusion. The nature, actors, and process of constitutional politics -- Contributors -- Index.
Summary:
"Constitutional politics is exceptionally intense and unpredictable. It involves negotiations over the very nature of the state and the implications of self-determination. Multinational democracies are exposed to challenges to the existing order since they are composed of communities with distinct cultures, histories and aspirations, looking to mutually agreed upon terms of coexistence. Conflict over the recognition of these multiple identities and the distribution of power and resources is inevitable and, indeed, part of what defines democratic life in multinational societies. In 'Constitutional Politics in Multinational Democracies', Andre Lecours, Nikola Brassard-Dion and Guy Laforest bring together experts on multinational democracies to analyze the claims of minority nations about their political future, and the responses they elicit through constitutional politics. Essays focus on the nature, actors, and political process in multinational democracies. This framework allows for a multidimensional examination of crucial political periods in these democracies by assessing what is constitutional politics, who is involved in it, and how it happens. Case studies explored within this framework include Catalonia and Spain, Puerto Rico and the United States, Scotland and the United Kingdom, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Quebec and the Metis People in Canada. Theoretically significant and empirically-rich, 'Constitutional Politics in Multinational Democracies' is a necessary read for any student of multinationalism."-- Provided by publisher.
Series:
Democracy, diversity, and citizen engagement series ; 5
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.